Speaking of Books...

Drew Westen, The Political Brain: The Role of Emotion in Deciding the Fate of the Nation. A neuroscientist and psychology professor, Westen has written a primer for Democrats arguing that Americans vote with their gut, not their brain. Using data going back to the 1950s, he calls for an overhaul of party rhetoric based on emotion rather than wonkery. 7 p.m., Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, (202) 364-1919.

W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV, The Double Agents. The best-selling author and his son read from their latest book, a thriller about World War II spooks who try to throw the Germans off the scent as Allies prepare to land in Western Europe. 7:30 p.m., Borders Books, 5871 Crossroads Center Way, Baileys Crossroads, Va., (703) 998-0404.

JUNE 30

Fatemeh Keshavarz, Jasmine and Stars: Reading More Than Lolita in Tehran. An Iranian-American and professor of Persian and comparative literature at Washington University, Keshavarz has written a controversial critique of Azar Nafisi’s blockbuster Reading Lolita in Tehran. Her case: Today’s Iran is not the oppressive cultural wasteland that Nafisi makes it out to be. 4 p.m., Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW, (202) 387-7638.

JULY 1

Thomas Mallon, Fellow Travelers: A Novel. Mallon recreates 1950s Washington against the backdrop of the “Red Scare” that includes cameos by a host of historical figures. The two protagonists, Hawkins Fuller and Tim Laughlin, fall in love and try to hide their trysts while keeping their day jobs in the federal government. 1 p.m., Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, (202) 364-1919.

Walter Scheib, with Andrew Friedman, White House Chef: Eleven Years, Two Presidents, One Kitchen. Over Schieb’s long tenure as White House executive chef, he managed a rare bipartisan feat of making two very different presidents happy. His book is chock-full of anecdotes, from lavish state dinners to teaching Chelsea Clinton how to cook, as well as recipes. 5 p.m., Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, (202) 364-1919.